Forbes, Parkes, and Lachlan Shire Councils will be hosting another online workshop for parents and other supervisors of local learner drivers, full of practical advice and information about completing the 120 hours of supervised driving.

The free Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers workshop is scheduled for Thursday, 10 December from 6pm.

Forbes, Parkes, and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said while the usual face to face workshops weren’t possible due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the online delivery will hopefully make it more easily accessible for participants to attend.

“We held two of these online workshops back in August and had a great response from across the region. Parents and supervisors of learner drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer. That is why we have teamed up with Transport for NSW and the Councils across the Western Region to hold another one of these workshops via Zoom,” Melanie said.

Participants can attend from the safety and comfort of their own home. The estimated run time is around one hour and 15 minutes.

The workshop covers the licencing system, how to use the Learner Driver Log-book, including the use of digital logbooks, licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions, tips on supervising a learner driver, and much more.

“Parents and supervisors who have attended this workshop in the past have found that it boosted their confidence, helped them better plan driving sessions and allowed them to share their experiences with other parents and supervisors,” Melanie said.

Bookings are essential and can be made online via Eventbrite, through the Councils’ Facebook pages or by calling Melanie Suitor on 02 6861 2364.

The electorate of Orange has secured $299,829 in funding for a total of 20 projects through the NSW Government’s 2020 Community Building Partnership Program.

Phil Donato MP, said the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities.

“This grassroots funding will directly help create a more vibrant and inclusive local community with positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes. It’s great to be able to do my part in assisting our local region.”

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for our community groups in the area,” Phil said.

Some of the successful applicants for projects in the Forbes Shire were the Eugowra Community Children’s Centre Inc. including a renovation of the old community hall to expand Eugowra Children’s Centre, Bogan Gate Golf Club Co-op Ltd for new solar panels, as well as the Forbes Pastoral Agriculture for a Ladies auxiliary kitchen and lawnmower.

The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 15,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

Applications for the 2021 Program open in early 2021. Visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp for more information.

Forbes Preschool has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement to continue free Preschool for three to five year old’s in 2021.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell announced the funding last week.

The free preschool program which was initially announced in response to COVID-19 has supported countless jobs and kept children learning and engaged during crucial developmental years.

Forbes Preschool Director Amy Shine said the announcement was excellent news for families.

“We work hard to always keep our fees at a minimum and waive them when we can, so it is very encouraging to get the government’s support and endorsement for this,” Amy said.

The funding provides 15 hours of free care per child each week and highlights the government’s acknowledgment of how important preschool is for everyone.

“Early childhood education is crucial to a child’s development, especially in those critical years before school, and with this announcement families know they can include preschool in their children’s early years of learning,” added Amy.

Forbes Preschool has a long and successful history of developing inclusive programs that are holistic in their approach, which prepare the children for school by developing confidence and engaged learning skills, as well as a community minded attitude which benefits children well into adulthood.

“Early learning is such an exciting space to be in and Forbes Preschool continues to be at the forefront of learning and delivery. We are already delivering holistic services which work with the students through speech, occupational therapy and specialised play therapy in all our programs.”

“We continue to try and meet demand, and will partner with Forbes Shire Council and other bodies to ensure we make pre-school available, as it is a crucial time of learning for children under five years of age,” Amy said.

The third draw in the Find It In AMAZING Forbes Promotion was held on Thursday, 19 November. Paula Leadbitter was the lucky winner of a $500 Why Leave Town gift card won through Allure On Main.

“This week I am encouraging all businesses to decorate their shop windows for Christmas. I am urging you all to pull out your stored decorations and lights, or add something unique and different, but please get involved in this competition,” said Forbes Business Chamber President, Marg Duggan.

The Christmas Window Competition is a public competition with the public being asked to vote on their favourite windows.

The categories are Best Business Window, Best Innovative Display and Viewer’s Choice. Businesses from outside of the CBD are encouraged to participate. Register your business entry by emailing forbes. businesschambernsw@gmail.com and attach an image of your window. People will be asked to click on the image to vote for the Viewer’s Choice. The competition will be promoted through local news and social media. Participants can assist by sharing social media promotion.

“This year the CBD is welcoming local schools who are creating displays in empty shop windows. Businesses from outside of the CBD have been encouraged to bring a display into the windows. Times are very different this Christmas, so I am encouraging everyone to participate and enjoy the windows and to visit businesses,” said Marg.

There are three $200 Why Leave Town cards to be won. The windows must be completed by Friday, 4 December, as judging will take place between 5 and 12 December. Winners will be announced on Monday, 14 December. Can you leave your lights on? Yes, buy a timer and leave those windows sparkling in the evenings!

Terms and conditions for the window competition can be found on www.forbesbusinesschamber.com.au

Forbes Business Chamber has an amazing stock of items ready for hire. Over time the Chamber has collected giant games such as corn throw, naughts and crosses, and ball games. “Some time ago the Chamber was lucky enough to gain a grant to purchase 20 red pop-up marquees which are also available for hire. We have wine and water glasses, easels, and even a large supply of tablecloths,” said Forbes Business Chamber President, Marg Duggan.

Booking items is easy just email the Chamber at forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com. Alternatively, visit the Chamber website www.forbesbusinesschamber.com.au for an itemised list which includes photographs of what is on offer and the Business Chamber will send on a hire form. “We have taken a number of bookings for the Christmas and holiday period, so don’t miss out,” said Marg.

Share the Dignity, a charity helping women and girls in need, are asking for help to make this Christmas special for women in our community experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or living in poverty.

The charity is hosting their annual It’s in the Bag campaign and are asking the community to donate a bag and drop off at collection boxes at Bunnings stores between Friday, 20 November and Sunday, 29 November.

To take part simply donate a handbag in good, used, or new condition. Fill it with items that will make a difference to the daily life of a woman or girl in need. Include the essentials such as period products, roll-on deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner and soap. Little luxuries such as a new lipstick, a hairbrush, hair ties, a gift card or a notebook and pen can be added, along with a thoughtful note or Christmas card that shows someone cares. Bags can be dropped off to the collection box at Bunnings between Friday, 20 November and Sunday, 29 November.

Share the Dignity’s Founder, Rochelle Courtenay says, “We want to help women, and girls this Christmas that may be in a refuge, shelter, on the streets or experiencing poverty.”

Bunnings General Manager of Operations Ryan Baker said, “It’s been a tough year and we know the need for this support in the community is much greater than ever before, so we are proud to be able to play a part in helping Share the Dignity to continue the great work they do.”

Visit Share the Dignity’s website for more information www.sharethedignity.org.au.